Wholehearted Obedience: Confronting Giants and Inheriting Promises
Summary
In today's message, we revisited Joshua 14:9, focusing on the story of Caleb and the importance of wholehearted obedience to God. Caleb's life exemplifies how obedience to God creates a destiny, as he wholly followed the Lord and was able to inherit the land promised to him. This narrative reminds us that everyone is following something or someone, and our obedience shapes our destiny. Caleb's story is a powerful testament to the importance of staying close to God, not just in proximity but in obedience and dedication.
We explored the idea that many Christians live a life of partial obedience, which can lead to full disobedience. This half-hearted approach to faith is not sustainable and can lead to spiritual stagnation. The message emphasized that conviction from the Holy Spirit is a call to draw closer to God, not a condemnation. When we are closest to Jesus, we are safest, just as Caleb was able to inherit his promise because of his obedience.
Furthermore, we discussed the significance of consistency in our walk with God. Caleb's consistency over 45 years, holding onto God's promise, is a model for us. Consistency in our faith and actions is crucial for inheriting God's promises. We must remain steadfast, even when faced with giants or challenges, as these are often indicators that we are in the right place, fulfilling God's will.
Finally, we addressed the need to confront the giants in our lives. Giants represent anything that stands between us and God's promises. Caleb's story teaches us that we must not settle for living in the shadows of these giants but instead confront them with the strength and promises of God. Just as David confronted Goliath with the word of the Lord, we too must use God's word as our script to overcome the challenges we face.
Key Takeaways:
1. Wholehearted Obedience: Caleb's life teaches us that wholehearted obedience to God creates a destiny. Our obedience shapes our future, and when we follow God closely, we are safest and most aligned with His will. This obedience is not about perfection but dedication and proximity to Jesus. [06:16]
2. Partial Obedience Leads to Disobedience: Living a life of partial obedience can lead to full disobedience. A half-hearted Christian life is unsustainable, and the enemy uses this to lead us away from God. Conviction from the Holy Spirit is a call to draw closer to God, not a condemnation. [09:27]
3. Consistency in Faith: Caleb's consistency over 45 years is a model for us. Consistency in our faith and actions is crucial for inheriting God's promises. We must remain steadfast, even when faced with challenges, as these are often indicators that we are in the right place, fulfilling God's will. [18:35]
4. Confronting Giants: Giants represent anything that stands between us and God's promises. We must not settle for living in the shadows of these giants but instead confront them with the strength and promises of God. Just as David confronted Goliath, we must use God's word as our script to overcome challenges. [26:53]
5. The Power of God's Word: Our relationship with God's word gives us the ability to inherit His promises. It shapes our character, attitude, and heart, enabling us to walk into what God has for us. Success without God is hollow, and we must prioritize our relationship with Him to achieve true success. [24:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:05] - Introduction to Caleb's Story
- [06:16] - Wholehearted Obedience
- [09:27] - The Danger of Partial Obedience
- [12:43] - Following God or the Enemy
- [15:19] - Caleb's Consistency
- [18:35] - The Importance of Consistency
- [21:02] - Consistency in Family and Faith
- [24:01] - The Power of God's Word
- [26:53] - Confronting Giants
- [31:32] - David and Goliath: A Lesson in Confrontation
- [33:31] - The Enemy's Consistency
- [35:21] - The Strength of Consistency
- [40:23] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Joshua 14:9
- Numbers 13:30
- Philippians 3:19
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Observation Questions:
1. What promise did Moses make to Caleb in Joshua 14:9, and how did Caleb's obedience play a role in this promise? [03:05]
2. How does the story of Caleb in Numbers 13:30 demonstrate his confidence in God's promise despite the challenges he faced? [15:19]
3. According to Philippians 3:19, what are some things people might worship instead of God, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about obedience and idolatry? [12:43]
4. In the sermon, what analogy did the pastor use to describe the struggle of partial obedience, and how does it relate to our spiritual walk? [06:16]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Caleb's story illustrate the concept that wholehearted obedience to God shapes one's destiny? What does this mean for believers today? [06:16]
2. The sermon mentioned that partial obedience can lead to full disobedience. How might this manifest in a believer's life, and what are the potential consequences? [09:27]
3. Caleb's consistency over 45 years was highlighted as a model for believers. What does this teach about the importance of perseverance in faith, and how can it be applied in modern contexts? [18:35]
4. The sermon discussed confronting giants in our lives. What might these giants represent, and how can believers use God's word to overcome them? [26:53]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current level of obedience to God. Are there areas where you feel you are only partially obedient? What steps can you take to move towards wholehearted obedience? [09:27]
2. Caleb remained consistent in his faith for 45 years. Identify a promise or calling from God that you need to remain steadfast in. What practical steps can you take to maintain consistency in this area? [18:35]
3. Consider the giants in your life that may be hindering you from inheriting God's promises. What specific scriptures can you use to confront these challenges, and how will you apply them? [26:53]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of staying close to Jesus. What are some practical ways you can ensure your proximity to Jesus in your daily life? [06:16]
5. The pastor mentioned the danger of living in the shadows of giants. Are there any areas in your life where you have become comfortable with these shadows? How can you begin to step out into the light of God's promises? [31:32]
6. Reflect on the concept of success as discussed in the sermon. How do you define success in your life, and how does it align with God's definition of good success? [24:01]
7. The sermon highlighted the power of God's word in shaping our character and destiny. What specific actions can you take to deepen your relationship with God's word this week? [24:01]
Devotional
Day 1: Wholehearted Obedience Shapes Our Destiny
Wholehearted obedience to God is not about achieving perfection but about maintaining a dedicated and close relationship with Jesus. Caleb's life is a testament to how such obedience can shape one's destiny. By following God wholeheartedly, Caleb was able to inherit the land promised to him, demonstrating that our obedience to God aligns us with His will and keeps us safe. This kind of obedience requires us to be intentional in our walk with God, ensuring that our actions and decisions reflect our commitment to Him. [06:16]
Joshua 22:5 (ESV): "Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul."
Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you can practice wholehearted obedience to God today, and how will you take steps to do so?
Day 2: The Danger of Partial Obedience
Partial obedience to God can lead to full disobedience, as it reflects a half-hearted approach to faith that is unsustainable. Many Christians fall into the trap of living a life of partial obedience, which can result in spiritual stagnation and distance from God. The conviction from the Holy Spirit should be seen as an invitation to draw closer to God, rather than a condemnation. By recognizing the areas where we are not fully obedient, we can take steps to align ourselves more closely with God's will and experience the fullness of His promises. [09:27]
1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you have been partially obedient. What practical steps can you take today to move towards full obedience in that area?
Day 3: Consistency in Faith Leads to Inheritance
Caleb's consistency in faith over 45 years serves as a model for us. His steadfastness in holding onto God's promise, despite challenges, highlights the importance of consistency in our faith and actions. This consistency is crucial for inheriting God's promises, as it demonstrates our trust in His plan and our commitment to His will. Even when faced with giants or obstacles, remaining consistent in our faith is often an indicator that we are in the right place, fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. [18:35]
Galatians 6:9 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Reflection: Reflect on a challenge you are currently facing. How can you remain consistent in your faith and actions to overcome this challenge and align with God's promises?
Day 4: Confronting Giants with God's Strength
Giants in our lives represent anything that stands between us and God's promises. Caleb's story teaches us the importance of confronting these giants with the strength and promises of God. Rather than settling for living in their shadows, we must face them head-on, using God's word as our script to overcome the challenges we encounter. Just as David confronted Goliath with the word of the Lord, we too can find victory by relying on God's strength and promises. [26:53]
2 Corinthians 10:4 (ESV): "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds."
Reflection: What is a "giant" in your life that you need to confront? How can you use God's word and promises to face and overcome this challenge today?
Day 5: The Power of God's Word in Our Lives
Our relationship with God's word is essential for inheriting His promises. It shapes our character, attitude, and heart, enabling us to walk into what God has for us. Success without God is hollow, and prioritizing our relationship with Him through His word is key to achieving true success. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we gain the wisdom and strength needed to navigate life's challenges and fulfill God's purpose for our lives. [24:01]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with God's word today? What specific steps will you take to ensure that His word guides your decisions and actions?
Quotes
"See, Caleb here, he says, listen, you have wholly followed the Lord, your God. See, here's the thing is that everyone in here is following someone. Whether you realize it or whether you know it or not, you're being obedient to something and someone in your life. And so wholehearted obedience creates destiny in your life." [00:02:36] (20 seconds)
"And we live a miserable Christian life because we're just pushing. We're taking our relationship with God, and we're kind of walking as far away from it as possible. And we're really miserable in our walk with the Lord. But it's because we're not living close to the Lord." [00:06:16] (18 seconds)
"Is that this walk of obedience, this life that we're supposed to live is supposed to be a life where we stay, our proximity to Jesus must remain close. And listen, I'm not talking about perfection. I'm talking about obedience, right? I'm not talking about living and doing it. I'm not talking about perfection in your life. I'm talking about dedication of your life." [00:07:59] (22 seconds)
"So the objective today is not to condemn you and to point you out. The objective today is to say, hey, there's a Holy Spirit, there's a God that loves you and he wants you to be close to him. Because listen, when Riley's the closest to me, she's the safest to me. And when you're the closest to Jesus, that's when you're the safest." [00:10:30] (21 seconds)
"Either you're following Jesus or you're following the enemy. You are created, and the reason why you are is because you are created to worship. You are created to serve. You are created to obey someone, to follow someone. And Exodus 20 and 30 reminds us this. He says, listen, you shall, we know this, have no other gods before me." [00:11:34] (21 seconds)
"That's why it's so important that you must choose your source very carefully. Let's read Psalm 115, verse 8. Psalm 115, verse 8 says this. Those who make them are like them. I want to say this. You will become what you follow. And listen, your character right now is an expression of who you serve in your life." [00:12:31] (25 seconds)
"So many of us never walk into what God has us, because we have these experiences, we have these instances, but we're not consistent with our relationship with the Lord. We're not consistent with the promise of God. And listen, you have to stay there for how long? Forever. We have to stay consistent forever." [00:18:35] (19 seconds)
"Because without consistency in your life, you will not inherit the God -given destination that he has planned for you. Remember, I had you say this in my family in the very beginning. Consistency is key. Obedience paves the way for destiny in your life. His whole life, Caleb was consistent. 45 years, Caleb was consistent. He believed." [00:21:14] (38 seconds)
"And so Caleb is at this place where he is on the edge, the verge, looking at the promise that God has given him. And we're going to go back to Joshua chapter 14 verse 10. And we read verse 9 to begin with. Let's go to verse 10. It says, and now Joshua, now behold, the Lord has kept me alive." [00:15:19] (18 seconds)
"Maybe this struggle, maybe this opposition doesn't mean that you've got to tuck your tail and go the other way. Maybe this is your destiny right here, right now. And it's an indicator that you're in the right place because God's going to enable you who meditate on his word, who believes and rehearses and is obedient and is committed that you and consistent, that you're going to get this thing done." [00:27:53] (25 seconds)
"And a giant is anything that stands in between you and the destination, the destiny, the promise that God has for you. That's that giant. What is it today? So many people in here, I've met so many of you. you that this walk with the Lord, some of you are recommitting, or really, this might be a new first -time experience in your life." [00:28:25] (21 seconds)
"Joshua and Caleb said, this ends today. I'm not going to forget the words. I'm not going to forget the promise. I'm not going to settle for the shadows. I'm going to walk into the destiny and promise that God has for me. Why? Not because I conjured it up and fantasized it and put God's name on it. Because God gave it to me." [00:34:28] (21 seconds)
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